What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Design (And How To Get It Right)

Your backyard isn't just an extension of your home, it's an extension of you. All the outdoor elements, from the seating to plants, should speak to your character. It's a principle Amy Hovis, an expert landscape designer and co-owner of Eden Garden Design, shared during an inspiring TED Talk. She revealed her starting point for any well-designed outdoor space is the client's personality and it's usually what most people get wrong about backyard design.

Roy Altaras, landscape designer and founder of Roy Altaras Landscape Design & Build, agrees with Hovis. In an exclusive House Digest interview, he shared, "For years we have proven to our clients what is possible for their outdoor space, while trying to get into their minds learning about their tastes and likes, their personality and lifestyle. I have always believed that a garden is a reflection of one's soul, and that it says much about the homeowner's personality, and vice versa." So first things first — think about what represents your personality, not just which plants are pretty.

After taking a long look within for answers about your gorgeous backyard design ideas, Altaras suggests focusing on the hardscape, like pathways and water features, before diving into the landscape with your plants. With this method, whether it's a large backyard or second-floor balcony, your outdoor space can be beautiful, functional, and most importantly, speak to your personality.

"When designing an outdoor space, it is wise to envision first the general vibe, the desired ambiance, and what is possible realistically before breaking it down to the choice of materials and the plant palette," Roy Altaras exclusively told House Digest. Do you prefer a quiet retreat or a space to entertain? What do you love about nature? How do you spend your free time? Answering these questions and similar ones can help you frame what your outdoor space should look like. An introvert who enjoys birdwatching and an extrovert with a green thumb can have completely different backyard designs despite living in the same neighborhood with equal yard space.

It's the same concept as designing a house. The number of bedrooms, the kitchen size, and layout depends on your needs and wants, which stem from your personality and lifestyle. "It is the creative idea (the concept) that I am after when starting a design process," Altaras explained. "There are so many different factors to consider when working on a good design, and the plants don't always come first." So if you want to maximize your outdoor living space and design your yard, balcony, or patio like an expert landscaper, start by understanding your interests and taste.

Once you've done some soul-searching and know how your outdoor space should represent you, then you can start with the features. "The hardscape always comes first and it is an expression of form and function, that completes and complements the architecture of your home," Roy Altaras exclusively told House Digest. The hardscaping in your yard can be an outdoor kitchen that shows how you love to cook or a feature wall with bird feeders to lure in your favorite animals.

After the permanent features comes the touch of nature. "The landscape decorates, provides the balance and the harmony that we are all after; it completes the work." Local, native plants are a great place to start when it comes to landscaping. Just let your favorite scents and colors lead the way. Regardless of your overall design, Altaras says, "It has to be functional and easily maintainable." A well-designed outdoor area will encourage you to use the space. You might find yourself outside more and doing more things you love because the area is tailored to you.